The cat is out of the bag and we can finally talk about some exciting news that will aid in our reportage here at The Union!

After an application and selection process The Union was recently notified of being a finalist in the California Local News Fellowship program, meaning that the hometown newspaper is in line to receive a reporter position — paid for and funded by UC Berkeley — that would be dedicated entirely to providing important news coverage for the communities in our region.

The program is now in its second year and is once again aiming to establish 30 positions throughout newsrooms across California.

This program directly addresses the crisis in local news that is unfolding across the nation. In California alone, a quarter of news publications ceased operations between 2004 and 2019, four of the state’s 58 counties lack local newspapers, two counties have no news outlet, and 15 counties have only one, as documented in recent studies.

“The impacts of this crisis are significant,” the fellows program reports. “Research indicates that the decline in local reporting results in reduced accountability, increased borrowing costs for municipalities, elevated government expenditures and deficits, fewer individuals pursuing public office, and diminished voter turnout, among other consequences. Perhaps the biggest threat of a weakened information ecosystem is that Californians are exposed to disinformation, leaving many — especially those historically underrepresented at the decision-making and opinion-shaping table — out of the informational loop and unable to advocate on their own behalf. The fellowship seeks to inject significant reporting resources back into California, so that the state’s residents have the information they need to participate in their communities.”

What can be expected of a fellowship reporter 

The California Local News Fellowship program is aimed at early career journalists with up to five years of experience that have demonstrated core reporting skills, a commitment to a career in journalism, and an interest in reporting in underserved communities.

Reporting beats can vary from general assignment to breaking news to education, environment, government, wildfires, etc. The position also comes with strong support to supplement the newsrooms experience including:

Ongoing training in a broad range of journalism skillsFormal mentoring from seasoned professional journalistsSub cohorts for people interested in building their audio, video, data or climate change reporting skillsExtensive research databases and tools through the University of CaliforniaProgram staff works closely with fellows and newsrooms to provide coaching, support and to help problem-solve as issues arise

“We are extremely honored and grateful to have been selected by UC Berkeley to be a part of the California Local News Fellowship program,” The Union’s Editor Elias Funez said. “It should be no surprise that newspapers across the state are hurting and our newsroom here at The Union is no different.”

Aside from weathering the storm of the economic downturn, the need to transition to mail delivery due to AB 5, and being sold twice in the past five years, The Union continues to publish a two-section 16-page printed newspaper five days a week along with the regular publications of The Prospector, The Lake Wildwood Independent, Lake of the Pines News, HOME, Best Of Nevada County, Women of Nevada County, Holidays in Nevada County and Healthy You.

“The amount of editorial employees that we have retained since I first started here at The Union 10 years ago unfortunately is but a fraction,” Funez said. “Our workload and output however, we have pushed to keep at a level that keeps us publishing local news and local sports five days a week in print and online. Ultimately we do it for our engaged and dedicated readership that has helped support their hometown newspaper for over 160 years now. But having a dedicated reporter position provided by UC Berkeley that can’t be taken away by the higher-ups, is something that this newspaper’s readership deserves and will help relieve some of the pressure on existing employees as a result.”

Applications for reporter position close March 5

Next steps in the process for California Local News Fellowship and The Union include the announcement of finalists and fellow/newsroom interviews in April. In May, matching offers begin and in early September orientation and the beginning of the two-year fellowship position begins.

While the fellowship program is doing everything from their end to recruit potential candidates, they have asked The Union to announce their inclusion in the program in efforts to cast a wide net of prospects that includes the many talented and accomplished individuals of Nevada County.

If you attended a two-year, four-year or graduate level journalism program and have newsroom experience (through student publications, summer internships, freelancing or full-time employment), you may apply. You are also eligible to apply if you did not attend college or journalism school but have a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of newsroom experience.

You may apply while you have another job, but the fellowship is full-time and you must be able to make that commitment by the beginning of the fellowship program. If you can’t commit to the full two-year time frame then this program is likely not the right match for you.

The position is full-time and a starting salary of $60-65,000 a year based on experience would be provided with full benefits and representation of UAW Local 5810 as an employee of the University of California.

The application window for the reporting fellowship ends on March 5.

For more information and to apply visit: https://fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/cafellows/fellows/application/